As the long Rakshabandhan weekend approaches in August, airfares for major routes in India have seen a significant jump. The combination of high demand and limited flight capacity has driven up prices, posing challenges for both travelers and airlines.
Demand Surge and Fare Increase
The long weekend between August 15 and 19, which includes Independence Day on August 15 and Rakshabandhan on August 19, has led to a spike in air travel demand. According to data from Ixigo reviewed by Business Standard, average economy-class fares have increased sharply compared to the same period last year.
Key Routes and Fare Hikes
- Bengaluru-Kochi: The average fare is Rs 3,446, a 46.3% increase from last year.
- Bengaluru-Mumbai: The average fare is Rs 3,969, up by 37.6%.
- Delhi-Goa: The average fare is Rs 6,641, a 37.2% rise.
- Delhi-Pune: The average fare is Rs 5,257, up by 22.6%.
| Route | Fare (Aug 14-20, 2023) | Fare (Aug 14-20, 2024) | Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru-Kochi | Rs 2,355 | Rs 3,446 | 46.3% |
| Bengaluru-Mumbai | Rs 2,884 | Rs 3,969 | 37.6% |
| Delhi-Goa | Rs 4,840 | Rs 6,641 | 37.2% |
| Delhi-Pune | Rs 4,289 | Rs 5,257 | 22.6% |
| Bengaluru-Hyderabad | Rs 2,616 | Rs 3,063 | 17.1% |
| Mumbai-Hyderabad | Rs 3,203 | Rs 3,508 | 9.5% |
| Delhi-Leh | Rs 4,540 | Rs 4,929 | 8.6% |
| Mumbai-Kochi | Rs 4,269 | Rs 4,511 | 5.7% |
Grounded Planes and Limited Capacity
Industry sources indicate that many planes in India remain grounded due to engine issues, supply chain problems, or financial difficulties. IndiGo, the largest carrier in India, reported that around 70 of its 382 planes were grounded. This has resulted in a slower increase in flight numbers, exacerbating the capacity crunch on major routes.
Impact on Routes
For instance, the number of weekly flights on the Bengaluru-Kochi route in August is almost the same as last year. Similarly, flights on the Bengaluru-Mumbai route have decreased by 4.8% year-on-year to 472 weekly flights. The Delhi-Pune route has maintained about 160 weekly flights, with no increase from the previous year.
Expert Insights
Ameya Joshi, an aviation researcher and founder of the aviation blog “Network Thoughts,” highlighted that long weekends tend to drive up airfares. The limited capacity increase in Indian skies means that demand surges, like the one during the Rakshabandhan weekend, lead to significant fare hikes.
Challenges for Airlines and Travelers
Jyoti Mayal, president of the Travel Agents Association of India, noted that Indian carriers are struggling to scale up capacity to meet growing demand. This has resulted in higher airfares, making travel unaffordable for many. The fare for flights between Udaipur and major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai has nearly doubled for Rakshabandhan.
Conclusion
The spike in airfares for the long Rakshabandhan weekend highlights the challenges faced by the Indian aviation industry. Grounded planes and limited capacity growth have driven up prices, creating a difficult environment for travelers. As demand continues to outpace supply, addressing these issues will be crucial for both airlines and passengers.
